2013 NFL Draft: Day Two’s Best Players Available

The first round of the 2013 NFL Draft is in the books. And while there were a few surprises, many of the highly-rated prospects found themselves calling a new city home. While most of the top-32 players were drafted, the selections of guys like Justin Pugh (GIANTS), Kyle Long (BEARS) and Travis Frederick (COWBOYS) have caused several talented prospects to fall into day two.

Below are the highest-rated players still remaining from FRG Scouting’s Big Board. Their Big Board ranking appears at the left of their name. Remember: Follow FRG Scouting on Twitter for instant analysis on Day Two.

3. Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State (9.0)

FRG’s Take: Tank Carradine is the most well-rounded player in the entire draft. Carradine will defend against the run as consistently as he will get to the quarterback. He is a high effort, snap-to-whistle player who can stay on the field for all three downs.

15. Robert Woods, WR, USC (8.4)

FRG’s Take: There is very little not to like about Robert Woods other than his overall size and injury history. Woods elevated the game of Matt Barkley, and he is a player that will evolve as a legitimate #1 WR in the NFL. He offers a nice combination of intermediate and vertical game skills, is a natural pass-catcher and possesses plus athleticism and overall speed. Assuming his ankle checks out OK, Woods appears to be an instant-impact rookie in 2013.

23. Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson (8.1)

FRG’s Take: While not the biggest or strongest runner, Ellington possesses the vision, patience and wiggle to excel in the NFL. He does a great job setting up his blockers and is elusive enough to make the first tackler miss. Ellington runs with balance, maintaining his feet when most other backs would go to the ground. Ellington’s inside running is underrated, but he won’t be a short yardage or goaline runner in the NFL. Ellington possesses light, quick feet and has the ability to score from anywhere on the field. If in the right situation, Ellington’s upside is similar to that of Jamal Charles (RB, Chiefs).

24. Keenan Allen, WR, Cal (8.1)

FRG’s Take: Keenan Allen does not project as a home run hitting WR. He won’t take the top off a defense in the vertical game and appears best suited as a possession WR in the NFL. Allen will be an impact playmaker on the next level via broken tackles and runs after the catch. He must improve his hand/eye coordination to catch the ball away from his body, or he will have a difficult learning curve early in his career.

27. John Jenkins, DT, Georgia (8.0)

FRG’s Take: John Jenkins is every bit a first-round DT. Guys as big and athletic as Jenkins don’t grow on trees. In addition, Jenkins flashes on film and showcases the ability to be an integral cog in an NFL defense. Jenkins displays an impressive combination of power and grace. He does a good job getting his hands inside and constantly fights toward the football. His lower body strength and overall mass is top-tier, and manages to play with pretty good pad level despite his soft mid-section. Jenkins will have to show that he can handle NFL double teams, as there were a few instances in the tape that I reviewed where he was completely neutralized by a double. While it didn’t happen a lot, it’s still a concern. In addition, Jenkins will have to watch his weight. He’s teetering on TOO big. If he doesn’t tighten up his mid-section, teams could worry that he’s a player that will fade, fast, in the NFL due to lack of physical maintenance.

28. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi St. (8.0)

29. Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State (8.0)

FRG’s Take: Hankins is an impressive combination of power and grace in the run game, as he has the ability to consistently shed opposing linemen at the point of attack. Hankins displays good lower-body strength as well as a very quick set of hands. He wins most battles. Hankins displays plus ability to keep his base low when working through a double team, and has impressive body control in the pass game. His wide array of pass rush moves and his quick release off the snap bodes well for his chances of being a three-down-player in the NFL

30. Geno Smith, QB, WVU (7.9)

FRG’s Take: Geno Smith is a confident passer who displayed an improved, quicker release and trust in his throwing motion in 2012. Smith is a very accurate QB who showcases anticipation to find his open receivers all over the field, especially on the second level. He throws a catchable ball and possesses enough athleticism to keep plays alive with his legs while maintaining plus accuracy on the move. He has the necessary velocity to fit balls into tight windows, but doesn’t press to overthrow the ball.

31. Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama (7.9)

FRG’s Take: A big-bodied, light-footed runner, Lacy presents as a feature-back prospect for the NFL. While not blessed with elite speed or quickness, Lacy does possess enough wiggle to make a man miss and enough power to run through contact. Lacy is equally capable of running inside and bouncing a play outside, and will present as a solid option in the passing game on third down.

32. Giovanni Bernard, RB, UNC (7.9)

34. Arthur Brown, OLB, Kansas St. (7.8)

35. Jamie Collins, OLB, Southern Miss (7.8)

36. Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky (7.8)

FRG’s Take: There just aren’t many 6’3, 333lb men with as much natural ability as Larry Warford. While not as good of an athlete as Jonathan Cooper, Warford appears to be every bit as blessed as Chance Warmack in that department. Physically, Warford appears stronger than both Warmack and Cooper, but his desire to dominate every play has his technique lagging behind both of his guard classmates. Ideally suited as an in-line, road grading run blocker, Warford is plenty good enough as a pass protector to come in as a rookie and compete for a starting job right away.